"War can be a very civilized affair"
European Napoleonic Society
by Steve Vickers, Alfred Umhey
 |
The war against Austria plays deeply on the General's mind. Replacing sore feet and saddle rot come the luxury coaches and cars thundering across Central Europe's motorways. 200 years ago who would have thought of a tunnel connecting England & France? There is a contemporary cartoon showing the French invasion with troops coming over in ships, balloons and some using a tunnel! Since its inception 4 years ago the European Napoleonic Society (ENS) has developed into a strong organization centered on all of the major Central European countries. Such is its popularity that new countries are knocking at its door. Not unlike the current situation with many countries trying to enter the European community. With the benefits of bi-centennial battlegrounds, central administration and standardized drill, membership of the ENS brings many benefits that other organizations can only dream of.
The ENS even organizes events to commemorate or mark some of the many significant incidents that did not involve military conflict. The Treaty at Leoben in Austria was one such event. These events give the Armies the opportunity to catch up on their drill and any other areas that assist the preparation for the forthcoming onslaughts & campaigns. The largest armies in the ENS are the 27eme Division Militaire and the Osterreichische Italienarmee. This is not surprising as the ENS's humble beginnings took place during the bi-centennials of Napoleon's campaigns in Italy during the mid 1790's/1990's. The most recent armies to form under the ENS banner are; The First Battalion, Prussian and Saxon Brigades. So far the ENS can field over 600 troops and 12 pieces of ordnance. The most embryonic Nationalities of the ENS are Norway and Sweden. Although numbers are important to get the feel of Napoleonic warfare this does not give way to quality. All potential new groups must be of the highest standard or have the aspirations to improve.
At most events the armies combine their bivouacs and the overall effect is stunning. Grenadiers of the Demi-Brigades rub shoulders with horsemen of British Light Dragoons. All the Nationalities still hold their independent role calls and daily itinerary but the friendship of fellow re-enactors always takes precedence. European Napoleonic Society President Romain Baulesch National Secretaries Germany: Alfred Umhey aumhey@aol.com
Events 2000 Although event dates and details can be subject to change, the following information is correct at time of going to print. Some events are organized solely by the ENS and some are where ENS member units will be in attendance: 25-26th March Wesel, Germany.
European Napoleonic Society - Member Units
27ème Division Militaire (including Rheinbund and Danish contingents) Stefan Rodá, Général divisionnaire
Companie du Service
Kaiserlich königliche österreichische Italienarmee Romain Baulesch, k.u.k.K Generalmajor.
k.k. I.R. No. 2 Hiller ungarishce Grenadierkompanie
5. Preussische Brigade Dr. Martin Klöffler, Capitain im königl.-preuß. Ingenieurcorps
5. Westfalische Landwehr
Sachsische Brigade Feldwebel Tobias Reh
Churfürstliche Sächsische Infanterie- Brigade 1806
British First Battallion Richard Moon - Captain, chief of staff
45th Foot Regiment "Nottinghamshire"
The photographs being used were taken from the Ungersheim event and focus on the 27e Etat-major. Back to Table of Contents -- First Empire #52 Back to First Empire List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2000 by First Empire. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com |
As with our counterparts 200 years ago a lot of groundwork and administrative organization goes into running an army. Today we use emails, computers and phone lines to send our communications, which take the place of the network of dispatch riders continuously passing information from bureau to bureau.
The Etat-major finalise preparations with a brief meeting before sending the troops to war.
Keeping the home fires burning. Two Grenadiers from the Companie du Service.
An ADC's lot is a happy one. It's always a pleasure to bring good news.
Deadlines, deadlines. The Comissaire de guerre must not miss the days despatch as 5.00pm nears!